Boston-area to do list

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PICK OF THE DAY

Identity quest

To play the starring role in the stage version of Ralph Ellison’s novel “Invisible Man,” actor Teagle F. Bougere worked to increase his mental and physical stamina. In an interview with Time Out Chicago last year, he said his preparation involved studying the book and adding push-ups and sit-ups to his regular running regimen. Why so demanding? Bougere is onstage from the first line (“I am an invisible man”) until the very end of the play. The Huntington Theatre Company presents the story of a young African-American man experiencing racism and classism in 1930s America. It features an award-winning script by Oren Jacoby and direction by Christopher McElroen. Jan. 4-5, 8 p.m. Jan. 6, 7 p.m. Through Feb. 3. Tickets from $25. Boston University Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave., Boston. 617-266-0800, www.huntingtontheatre.org

THURSDAY

A French dozen Work by 12 artists is featured in the French Cultural Center’s 2013 Members Art Show. The art on view is stylistically diverse, but it has one thing in common — each piece has a Francophone link. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Through Jan. 31. Reception Jan. 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m. French Cultural Center, 53 Marlborough St.,Boston. 617-912-0400, www.frenchculturalcenter.org

Where the action is The young men in pop/rock band Action Item are touring in support of their just-out release, “Resolution.” According to guitarist Anthony Li, “This album and tour showcases a natural progression among the band as musicians, and most of all, as best friends.” The concert also features Hello Highway, Before You Exit, and Paradise Fears. Jan. 4, 6 p.m. $15. Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Ave., Boston. 617-779-0140, www.brightonmusichall.com

SATURDAY

Got a minute? At the Playwrights’ Theatre One-Minute Play Festival, you can see 70 plays by 40 playwrights all in one weekend and not need to pull a single all-nighter. Participating playwrights include Barbara Blumenthal-Ehrlich, Israel Horovitz, Jack Neary, Liz Duffy Adams, and Joyce Van Dyke. Jan. 5-7, 8 p.m. $20. Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, 949 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. 866-811-4111, www.bostonplaywrights.org

Fresh airs It’ll be a homecoming for Somerville native Bob Ferreira when he returns to the Boston area with the Four Freshmen. Ferreira has been bass voice and percussionist for the vocal quartet for 20 years, but the group itself formed in the late 1940s. Expect their shows to feature selections from their latest recording of classic love songs. Jan. 5, 8 p.m. Jan. 6, 2 p.m. $50-$55. Stoneham Theatre, 395 Main St., Stoneham. 781-279-2200, www.stonehamtheatre.org